Amex 360° Commitment to Parks

In 2008, American Express launched the American Express Leadership Academy, a signature program of American Express’s philanthropic priority of developing emerging nonprofit leaders. The Leadership Academy is designed to equip high potential emerging leaders from the nonprofit sector to become successful executives and help their organizations achieve sustainable growth, effective program implementation and overall success.

In advance of the 201 National Park Service (NPS) centennial, American Express announced a multi-year partnership to increase volunteerism in National Parks and Public Lands. A $5 million grant over four years from American Express will help the Department of the Interior (DOI) and NPS build volunteer coalitions to preserve and sustain America's public lands. American Express is also a premier partner of NPS’s Find Your Park initiative and a premier sponsor of PTNY's I Love My Park Day.

American Express recently merged its commitment to supporting national parks and investing in future nonprofit leaders. Its spring 2016 Leadership Academy brought together 72 emerging leaders from park-related nonprofits from around the country for an intensive week-long training. PTNY’s own Laura DiBetta and James Meerdink were invited to participate in this rare opportunity.

This comprehensive program focuses on both the inter-personal and business skills required for effective leadership. Facilitated in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership, a top-ranked, global provider of leadership development, the program’s curriculum includes: 360 Assessments, executive coaching, small and large group reflection and planning exercises, networking events and keynote sessions including a discussion with Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express. Thanks to the uniqueness of the Academy's cohort, PTNY staff were also able to make important connections with park and trail advocates and leaders working all over the U.S.

Thank you to American Express for being a supportive partner and investing in the future of the parks movement!

Photo: PTNY staff James Meerdink (front row, left) and Laura DiBetta (front row, 3rd from right) at the Spring 2016 American Express Leadership Academy.